Education & SchoolsThe River Cities' Reader Online - Updated daily local media website and bi-weekly newspaper that covers the Arts, Business, Culture and Politics of the Quad Cities' area.http://www.rcreader.com/news-releases/education-a-schools/
Tue, 31 Mar 2015 22:02:49 +0000Joomla! 1.5 - Open Source Content Managementen-gbDavenport Rotary scholarship recipientshttp://www.rcreader.com/news-releases/davenport-rotary-scholarship-recipients/
http://www.rcreader.com/news-releases/davenport-rotary-scholarship-recipients/On Monday, April 29, The Rotary Club of Davenport awarded $56,000 in college scholarships (one $16,000 scholarship and four $10,000 scholarships) to five Davenport High School Students. Students from Davenport Assumption, Central, North and West were eligible to apply.

The Scholarship Committee is chaired by LaWanda Roudebush. The Rotary Memorial College Loan and Scholarship fund was established with a $2,500 donation on May 29, 1922, in memory of the 276 men and women of Scott County Iowa that gave their lives during World War I. Along with donations from club members on their birthdays and significant other events, two major donations were received from James and Marguerite Dunn and Walter and Alice Ackerman.

Since its inception in 1922, the Fund has awarded scholarships to 82 students and made loans to over 400 students for a total of over $900,000. Winners are selected based upon GPA, test scores, community service, interview, and recommendations.

DES MOINES, IA (05/02/2013)(readMedia)-- State Treasurer Michael L. Fitzgerald is asking Iowans to celebrate 529 Day on May 29 by exploring the benefits of using a 529 plan, such as College Savings Iowa, to save for their loved ones future higher education expenses. "We want parents to know it's never too early to start planning for their child's education," Fitzgerald said. "As a way to raise awareness about 529 plans, families are able to gain a jump start on saving for their child's future education by registering for the chance to win a $5,290 College Savings Iowa account." For more information and to enter the giveaway, please visit www.my529iowaplan.com before May 29.

May 29 was declared 529 Day in order to help bring attention to the fact that saving for college is one of the most significant things families can do for the children in their lives. Those who begin putting away money early and save little by little can, over time, make their college savings add up to a significant amount. Because saving for future educational expenses is so important, Iowa families are encouraged to consider opening a College Savings Iowa account for a special child in their life.

College Savings Iowa offers families a tax advantaged way to save money for their children's higher education. It only takes $25 to open an account, and anyone – parents, grandparents, friends and relatives – can invest in College Savings Iowa on behalf of a child. Participants who are Iowa taxpayers can deduct contributions up to $3,045 per beneficiary from their 2013 adjusted gross income, and there are no income or residency restrictions.*

Investors can withdraw their investment federally tax-free to pay for qualified higher education expenses including tuition, books, supplies and certain room and board costs at any eligible college, university, community college or accredited technical training school in the United States or abroad. To learn more about College Savings Iowa, please visitwww.myiowa529plan.com or call 1-888-672-9116.

*Adjusted annually for inflation. If withdrawals are not qualified, the deductions must be added back to Iowa taxable income. The Earnings portion of nonqualified withdrawals may be subject to federal income tax and a 10% federal penalty tax, as well as state and local income taxes. The availability of tax or other benefits may be contingent on meeting other requirements.

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Investment returns are not guaranteed and you could lose money by investing in the plan. Participants assume all investment risks as well as the responsibility for any federal and state tax consequences. If you are not an Iowa taxpayer, consider before investing whether your or the designated beneficiary's home state offers any state tax or other benefits that are only available for investments in such state's qualified tuition program.

For more information about the College Savings Iowa 529 Plan, call 888-672-9116 or visitwww.collegesavingsiowa.com to obtain a Program Description. Investment objectives, risks, charges, expenses, and other important information are included in the Program Description; read and consider it carefully before investing.

College Savings Iowa is an Iowa trust sponsored by the Iowa State Treasurer's Office. The Treasurer of the State of Iowa sponsors and is responsible for overseeing the administration of the College Savings Iowa 529 Plan. The Vanguard Group, Inc., serves as Investment Manager and Vanguard Marketing Corporation, an affiliate of The Vanguard Group, Inc., assists the Treasurer with marketing and distributing the Plan. Upromise Investment Advisors, LLC, provides records administration services. The Plan's portfolios, although they invest in Vanguard mutual funds, are not mutual funds.

]]>rick@rcreader.com (Karen Austin)Education & SchoolsFri, 03 May 2013 19:35:26 +0000 Local student displays art project at Central Collegehttp://www.rcreader.com/news-releases/-local-student-displays-art-project-at-central-college/
http://www.rcreader.com/news-releases/-local-student-displays-art-project-at-central-college/PELLA, (05/01/2013)(readMedia)-- Central College senior art majors displayed their final works of art in the Central College Senior Thesis Show in the Mills Gallery on campus the week of April 22.

Samantha Scheckel, a Bettendorf native, will graduate from Central in May with an art major. Her thesis project was titled "People as Prey." Scheckel used distressed wood as a canvas and created the art with acrylics and spray paint.

Central College is a residential liberal arts college dedicated to the education of 1,500 undergraduate students. Guided by its ecumenical Christian tradition, the college community engages in vigorous, free, open inquiry in pursuit of academic excellence. Founded in 1853, the college is affiliated with the Reformed Church in America and NCAA Division III athletics.

Central is a recognized leader in study abroad as a result of its international, residential programs. Central College is located in Pella, Iowa, a thriving community of 10,000 two minutes from the state's largest lake and 40 minutes southwest of Des Moines. Please visit the college website at www.central.edu.

]]>rick@rcreader.com (Rachel Vogel)Education & SchoolsWed, 01 May 2013 20:25:42 +0000REP. SMIDDY HOSTING EDUCATION FORUMhttp://www.rcreader.com/news-releases/rep-smiddy-hosting-education-forum/
http://www.rcreader.com/news-releases/rep-smiddy-hosting-education-forum/“As I continue to work in the state legislature to improve the quality of education, it is important that I come home and listen to local residents and educators on these issues,” said Smiddy. “Understanding the concerns of this community and collaborating on innovative for education reform will help me make the best decisions on behalf our students and educators.”

At this forum, which is free and open to the public, members of the community will have the opportunity to share their concerns and ideas for education policy with Smiddy. Residents are also encouraged to join Smiddy’s Education Citizens Advisory Committee to more frequently meet with him and share ideas on education.

“Education and quality schools are vital to our community,” Smiddy said. “I hope that local residents, teachers, and parents will continue to work with me to provide better opportunities for our children.”

###]]>rick@rcreader.com (Rep. Mike Smiddy)Education & SchoolsTue, 30 Apr 2013 20:27:39 +0000Treasurer Fitzgerald Announces Deadline to Apply for Robert D. Blue Scholarship Draws Nearhttp://www.rcreader.com/news-releases/treasurer-fitzgerald-announces-deadline-to-apply-for-robert-d-blue-scholarship-draws-near/
http://www.rcreader.com/news-releases/treasurer-fitzgerald-announces-deadline-to-apply-for-robert-d-blue-scholarship-draws-near/DES MOINES, IA (04/26/2013)(readMedia)-- State Treasurer Michael L. Fitzgerald reminds students the deadline to apply for a Robert D. Blue Scholarship is drawing near. Applications must be submitted online at www.rdblue.org by May 10 in order to be eligible for this year's award.

"Over the years we've helped hundreds of Iowa students meet their college costs with this scholarship," Fitzgerald stated. "Awards are based on financial need, academic achievements, written recommendations and an original essay." In 2012, six Iowa students received a $1,000 Robert D. Blue Scholarship.

The Robert D. Blue Scholarship is awarded by the Iowa Centennial Memorial Foundation to honor Iowa students attending college in Iowa. The Foundation was created in 1949 to commemorate the one hundredth anniversary of Iowa's acceptance into the union. Governor Blue wished to encourage the youth of the state to continue their education at one of Iowa's fine institutions of higher learning. In 1990, the Foundation officially named the scholarship to honor the late Governor Blue.

Robert D. Blue Scholarship applications are only accepted online at www.rdblue.org, and the winners will be announced during the summer. Those who would like more information on the Robert D. Blue Scholarship should visit the website, or call the treasurer's office at (515) 242-5270.

]]>rick@rcreader.com (Karen Austin)Education & SchoolsMon, 29 Apr 2013 13:46:41 +0000Sarah Jacobs Inducted into The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phihttp://www.rcreader.com/news-releases/sarah-jacobs-inducted-into-the-honor-society-of-phi-kappa-phi/
http://www.rcreader.com/news-releases/sarah-jacobs-inducted-into-the-honor-society-of-phi-kappa-phi/BATON ROUGE, LA (04/26/2013)(readMedia)-- The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi is pleased to announce that Sarah Jacobs of Le Claire, Iowa, was recently initiated into Phi Kappa Phi, the nation's oldest and most selective collegiate honor society for all academic disciplines. Jacobs is pursuing a degree in Biology at University of Wisconsin–Platteville.

Jacobs is among approximately 30,000 students, faculty, professional staff and alumni to be initiated into Phi Kappa Phi each year. Membership is by invitation and requires nomination and approval by a chapter. Only the top 10 percent of seniors and 7.5 percent of juniors, having at least 72 semester hours, are eligible for membership. Graduate students in the top 10 percent of the number of candidates for graduate degrees may also qualify, as do faculty, professional staff, and alumni who have achieved scholarly distinction.

Founded in 1897 at the University of Maine and headquartered in Baton Rouge, La., Phi Kappa Phi is the nation's oldest and most selective all-discipline honor society. The Society has chapters on more than 300 college and university campuses in North America and the Philippines. Its mission is "To recognize and promote academic excellence in all fields of higher education and to engage the community of scholars in service to others."

More About Phi Kappa Phi

Since its founding, more than 1 million members have been initiated. Some of the organization's more notable members include former President Jimmy Carter, NASA astronaut Wendy Lawrence, novelist David Baldacci and YouTube cofounder Chad Hurley. The Society has awarded approximately $15 million since the inception of its awards program in 1932. Today, $1 million is awarded each biennium to qualifying students and members through graduate fellowships, undergraduate study abroad scholarships, member and chapter awards and grants for local and national literacy initiatives.

]]>rick@rcreader.com (Hannah Breaux)Education & SchoolsFri, 26 Apr 2013 15:41:36 +0000Rotary Club of Davenport Scholarship Presentationhttp://www.rcreader.com/news-releases/rotary-club-of-davenport-scholarship-presentation/
http://www.rcreader.com/news-releases/rotary-club-of-davenport-scholarship-presentation/During their meeting on Monday, April 29, The Rotary Club of Davenport will award $56,000 in college scholarships (one $16,000 scholarship and four $10,000 scholarships) to five Davenport high school students. Students from Davenport Assumption, Central, North and West were eligible to apply.

The Rotary Club of Davenport Scholarship Program is one of the largest in the Quad Cities metro area providing four $10,000 and one $16,000 scholarship annually. Since its inception as the Rotary Memorial College Loan and Scholarship Fund in 1922, the Fund has awarded scholarships to 82 students and made loans to over 400 students for a total of over $900,000. Winners are selected based upon GPA, test scores, community service, interview, and recommendations.

For more information, contact Rick Best at 563-359-5524 or via email at rlbest@aol.com. A press release with the details about the scholarship recipients will be available at the meeting.

Who: Rotary Club of Davenport

What: Scholarship presentations to five Davenport high school students

]]>rick@rcreader.com (Amanda Heitz)Education & SchoolsThu, 25 Apr 2013 19:15:39 +0000Is Your Teen Graduating with an ‘A’ in Personal Money Management?http://www.rcreader.com/news-releases/is-your-teen-graduating-with-an-a-in-personal-money-management/
http://www.rcreader.com/news-releases/is-your-teen-graduating-with-an-a-in-personal-money-management/3 Important Lessons They Don’t Teach in High School or College

More high school students than ever will be collecting diplomas in the coming weeks, an increase attributed in part to new career-oriented schools that help students appreciate the link between learning and earning.

“After 40 years, we’re finally seeing significant improvements in high school graduation rates. The national average shot up from 72 percent in 2001 to 78 percent in 2010,” says retired business executive Cary Siegel author of “Why Didn’t They Teach Me This in School? 99 Personal Money Management Principles to Live By,” (www.carysiegel.com).

“While it’s wonderful to offer initiatives like career-prep schools, I worry these new high school and college graduates won’t have a clue about how to manage their paychecks.”

Siegel speaks from experience. Even after earning an MBA from the University of Chicago, he realized he knew little about how to best manage his personal funds. Setting financial goals helped him establish some basic principles, a trial-and-error process that was ultimately successful: He retired at age 45 after a marketing and sales career that included introducing new products like Crystal Light and Jell-O Light for Kraft Foods.

“I wished I’d learned these things in school – I would’ve made fewer mistakes,” he says. “My main goal was to retire early enough to spend time with my kids while they were still young, and I was able to do that. It’s not because I’m rich; I’m not! It’s because I learned how to effectively manage my money.”

All high school and college grads should leave school armed with that knowledge, says the father of five teenagers ages 13 to 17.

He offers three of his favorite tips:

• Just say no to credit cards (and don’t get one in college!) Credit card companies inundate college students with special offers. They want to hook you early on! But getting hooked on credit cards is as bad as getting hooked on drugs. The more you use them, the easier they are to use, and since you’re not required to pay off the balance each month, you can quickly spiral into debt. You pay for that debt, too. The average interest rate on student credit cards in April was 17.4 percent – which means for every dollar of debt you have, you’re charged almost 18 centsevery month.

• Know what your bills are and take action when they go up. It’s amazing how many people don’t know what they’re paying their service providers each month. (If you don’t know within $5 what each monthly bill is, you’re probably overpaying on many of them.) When your cable, internet or cell phone company tells you it’s increasing its rates, call the company and ask to speak to a manager or someone in the retention department. Be polite and don’t raise your voice. Ask for detailed rationale for the increase; often, this will immediately stop the increase. If it doesn’t, stress how long you’ve been with the company and your excellent payment history.

• Spend an hour a week learning about personal finance. Once you start, you’ll find you’re learning so much, you’ll spend more than an hour exploring. Some free resources include the internet and the library. Look for a financially savvy individual, write up a list of questions, and ask if you can interview them. You may not have to look any further for this than your own family. Just one hour a week adds up to a lot of time over a few years: 52 hours your first year, and more than 200 hours during four years of college. “I’m fairly certain that is more time than 95 percent of other college students spend on learning personal money management,” Siegel says.

About Cary Siegel

Cary Siegel is a retired business executive. After earning his MBA from the University of Chicago, he began his career in brand management with Kraft and went on to lead several companies in marketing and sales. He wrote “Why Didn’t They Teach Me This in School? 99 Personal Money Management Principles to Live By,” whydidnttheyteachmethisinschool.com for his five teenage children. Following his personal money management principles allowed him to retire at the age of 45, and coach more than 40 of his children’s soccer, hockey and baseball teams. Siegel is a popular speaker on both marketing and personal money management.

]]>rick@rcreader.com (Ginny Grimsley)Education & SchoolsThu, 25 Apr 2013 19:03:45 +0000Simon: Apply to College Illinois! to budget for college nowhttp://www.rcreader.com/news-releases/simon-apply-to-college-illinois-to-budget-for-college-now/
http://www.rcreader.com/news-releases/simon-apply-to-college-illinois-to-budget-for-college-now/Illinois families have until April 30 to apply for prepaid tuition

CARBONDALE – April 24, 2013. To combat the rising costs of higher education, Lt. Governor Sheila Simon today encouraged Illinois families to apply for the College Illinois! Prepaid Tuition Program before next week’s April 30 deadline for the current enrollment period.

“Planning for college entails more than academic preparation,” said Simon, the state’s point person on education reform. “Families should also have a long-term strategic plan for how to pay for tuition and fees in the future.”

In her first year in office, Simon toured all of the state’s 48 community colleges to push for reforms that will help students earn college degrees or certificates that translate to good-paying jobs. During her second year as Lt. Governor, Simon convened College Affordability Summits at each of the state’s 12 public universities and called for cost transparency, targeted state assistance and federal tax breaks to control college costs. In a white paper released earlier this year, Simon cited college affordability as a “significant barrier to students seeking degree at public universities.”

Illinois supports students and families through a variety of non-loan assistance, including the Monetary Award Program (MAP) grant for low-income residents and the College Illinois! Prepaid tuition program for all residents. College Illinois! allows families to lock in a lower price today to cover the expense of future tuition and fees. Program officials project that tuition and fees for a child born today could be as much as $180,000 to attend an Illinois four-year public university.

“With ever rising costs of higher education, College Illinois! offers parents a great opportunity to plan ahead and make college more affordable for their kids,” said Eric Zarnikow, executive director of the Illinois Student Assistance Commission, which administers the program. “We’re urging parents to seize the day and sign up for College Illinois!, or talk to one of our advisers now, before the enrollment period closes.”

Simon noted that Illinois residents have access to several state tax-advantaged programs that make it easy to start saving today. The College Illinois! Prepaid Tuition Program has assisted nearly 22,000 families and has paid over $400 million in tuition and fees to nearly 950 state and out-of-state postsecondary institutions, including community colleges, public universities and private schools. Since the program’s start in 1997, over 70,000 prepaid tuition contracts have been purchased by Illinois residents.